Exploring an Organizational-Level Mindfulness-Based Intervention in Private Workplace Settings

Abstract

Objectives

The primary objective of this study was to investigate the feasibility assessed by reach and dose of an organizational-level workplace-adapted mindfulness-based intervention (MBI). Secondarily, potential changes in mental health and organizational outcomes were evaluated.

Method

Using a quasi-experimental design without a control group, the study included four small- and medium-sized private companies. A three-step MBI was delivered live online via Zoom. Feasibility was assessed using data on reach (number of participants) and dose (number of sessions attended). Data on mental health and organizational outcomes were collected at baseline and 3- and 12-month follow-up and analyzed using mixed-effects linear regression for continuous variables, and mixed-effects logistic regression for dichotomous variables.

Results

In total, 278 (75.54%) employees and managers participated in an introductory session, and 169 (45.92%) signed up for a workplace-adapted 10-week MBSR course, while 3 (75.00%) companies participated in an implementation workshop. Among MBSR-participants, the median dosage was 9/10 sessions in three companies, and 8/10 in one company. Only small statistically non-significant changes were seen in mental health outcomes, such as tendencies to decreased perceived stress and increased well-being at 3-month follow-up. However, these tendencies were not sustained at 12-month follow-up. Yet, a positive impact was seen on respondents’ ability to decenter, and thus observe one’s thoughts and feelings, at both 3- and 12-month follow-up. Organizational impact at 3-month follow-up varied across outcome measures, with a statistically significant reduced likelihood of occasionally experiencing negative acts. However, at 12-month follow-up, this reduction was no longer statistically significant, and measures of social capital and psychological safety had generally decreased.

Conclusions

This workplace MBI is deemed feasible. However, the potential impacts on mental health and organizational outcomes remain unclear.

Preregistration

This study is registered at ISRCTN Registry (ISRCTN93567471).